• Packages can be sent in all shapes and sizes.packages image by Sorbotrol from Fotolia.com
  
  Flat Rate Priority Mail is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that ships items to their destination within two to three days. USPS offers a single flat rate for most items, making shipping easy and streamlined. In addition, it offers a number of special options that come with an extra fee, but can be useful in confirming an item arrived safely and on time. Most of these options must be purchased at the time of mailing, so go to the post office prepared.
  
  

Certificate of Mailing

• This service proves you mailed an item. For logistical reasons, it must be purchased at the time of mailing. This service can be useful if you want proof that an item was sent.
  
  

Certified Mail Service

• In addition to giving you a receipt of mailing, this service notifies you when an item arrives at its destination.
  
  

Collect on Delivery

• This service allows your customer to pay for the item and postage when the package is delivered.
  
  

Delivery Confirmation

• Like the Certified Mail Service, Delivery Confirmation informs you when your item has arrived. However, it does not come with a receipt of mailing.
  
  

Insurance

• If you're concerned that your item might be damaged during delivery, you can have it insured for up to $5,000.
  
  

Registered Mail

• This option also insures your item, but only up to $25,000.
  
  

Signature Confirmation

• This option requires that somebody sign for the item upon delivery. This ensures that the item isn't left unattended on a doorstep.
  
  

Restricted Delivery

• This service also requires a signature, but specifically of the person the item is being delivered to. This ensures that the item isn't left in the hands of roommates or other undesirables.
  
  

Special Handling

• This service provides special handling for delicate and unusual items that might be damaged by normal handling, such as potted plants and livestock.